The Little Yellow Duck Project

"The Little Yellow Duck Project involves people around the world handcrafting little yellow duck gifts as random acts of kindness that are left in public places for others to find. A special tag on each one invites the finder to take their gift home to brighten their day and to visit this website to register where they found their gift. We hope that the stories and information found here will encourage them to pledge their own random act of kindness by registering to donate blood, bone marrow, organs tissues."

 http://thelittleyellowduckproject.org/

My first ducky "Kiki" ready to be released!

This fun challenge is running between 1 - 31 August. Get the details and patterns here: http://thelittleyellowduckproject.org/2014/08/south-african-launch/ Join team Carle on Ravelry - there is a fun competition between the provinces to see who gets the most duckies on the map! http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/nurturing-fibres/2969423/201-225#225

Follow my Facebook Page to find out where Kiki was released! 

Cuddle Tight Blanket for Baby Syd

Dream big little one!

"he loves it - it works like a hug"

This luxurious, plush cuddle blanket doubles as a traveling rug for baby to play on.

Hand knitted from brown and natural 100% virgin cotton based on the Lion Brand "Cuddle Tight Baby Blanket" pattern. Embellished with duck egg blue cotton yarn.

Approx. 85cm x 85cm.

Snugly Hooded Cowl

Just as the first snow fell on the mountains surrounding Cape Town did I finish knitting myself a hooded cowl. A stylish drawstring design in soft chunky wool - snugly, cosy and comfy.

I am also planning to knit a lighter cotton version for spring and the general windy but not cold days.

Great pattern design by NeekaKnits.

The Essential Project Basket

At some point I realised that I urgently needed a "project basket"- handmade by myself off course. My first attempt was using plarn (plastic yarn) as I have made a pretty tote bag before as a recycling effort  - but half way through I abandoned the mission after breaking a crochet hook and the basket not looking as sturdy as I intended.

I couldn't leave it at that though.. I saw a little basket a lady had made of T-Yarn at a local wool shop and that was the answer! I ordered some (they have an awesome array of colours) and finally my basket took shape. Using a pattern from the Crochet in Colour Blog as guide, I modified to suit my requirements and VOILA!

Chunky Cushions

Inspired by some stunning home comfort creations on Pinterest, I knitted these cushion covers with a "seriously chunky" acrylic yarn. They make my couch look fabulously trendy and ever so inviting..

Rib pattern

Moss stitch

Come sit down and be comfy!

New school knitting and crochet for the home - this is my inspiration!

In love with leg warmers

"Colour is the place where our brain

 and the Universe meet"  

- Paul Klee

Just in time, as cold and rainy weather creeps in on us in Cape Town did I finish knitting my leg warmers!

I had this sensational yarn in my cupboard for quite a while before deciding what to make with it. It is Elle Escapades "Burnt Horizon" - a very a suitable name as you will find most of these wonderful shades in any typical autumn Cape sunset. It inspired me so much while knitting with it that I dyed my hair a very similar ombré!

This was also my first ever project using double point needles and knitting something in the round. Initially the cast on and first round had me starting over a few times but the patience paid off and I got the hang of it. I made up a pattern on the go, a mix between a few rather cryptic instructions on the net.

The first leg warmer I finished off was quite short but looked great even though the yarn had not progressed into the pinks yet..so I decided to rip it and make a much longer version. The effort was well worth it! The result is a pair of wonderfully toasty, super pretty leg warmers that are just as comfortable in the 21st century than it was back in the 80's :)

"Leg warmers are coverings for the lower legs, similar to socks but thicker and generally footless. They were originally used as dancewear by ballet and other classic dancers in order to keep the leg muscles warm and to prevent cramping or other muscle injuries. No scientific data has been yet collected to substantiate the claim that leg warmers prevent injury." Wikipedia

I knitted it! Essential Halter Top

Earlier this week I had the pleasure to ship off something pretty to a very excited lady. She had asked me to make her something similar to the stunning crocheted "Essential Halter Bikini Top" (see small picture further below) from the Australian online swimwear store SheMadeMe 

I decided to attempt a knitted test version in some white cotton yarn I had on stash, making up a pattern as I go... she loved it and ordered one in ivory!! 

Can't wait to see some photos of her wearing it at AfricaBurn in April :)

Sample knitted halter top, looks cute under tops as well!

Final product looks stunning in ivory 4 ply cotton and handmade crafty packaging!
Bottom left is the inspiration - crochet halter top from She Made Me online store.

"Happy girls are the prettiest" says Audrey Hepburn

Woolhogs Voter's Choice Award!

I received a "Voter's Choice Award" from Woolhogs in their "February Made It Challenge" for my triangle scarf!http://www.woolhogs.co.za/ is an awesome local online natural fibres store 

Crochet friendship bracelet

After a bit of experimenting I finished my first crochet bracelet today (just had to make one after staring at countless stunning designs on Pinterest!)

Not such a big jewelry person but I really do love this! Soft, light and home made..

Using Elle crochet floss no 5 in lovely earth tones I started out with a 2mm hook and a looooong row of chains, another endless row of slip stitches and then using that string with a 6.5mm hook to create the final band.

Initial inspiration came from a lovely blog - ONE DOG WOOF - take a look!

Sideways Triangle Scarf

Today I finished what is now my favorite self-made piece! The combo of Vinnis Colours and Katia Marea Egyptian cotton is beautiful, soft and drapes nicely. Perfect accessory for temperamental Cape Town weather!

The free pattern is available from Churchmouse Yarns & Teas

Did you know that Vinnis Colours 100% cotton is hand dyed and hand balled here in Cape Town! Check out Woolhogs online shop's stunning range of Vinnies Colours yarn - click here to go shop NOW!

I am proud to say that my scarf has received a recent Voter's Choice Award in the Woolhogs February "Made It Challenge"!

I am also participating in the Hookin on Hump Day Link Party for the Fibre Arts! Grab a coffee and head over to be inspired by fabulous crafting and freebie patterns!

I love SWHESWHE!

I got creative with some swheswhe fabrics and old stretched canvasses that's been hiding out in my cupboard for years now. The result looks fantastic! My studio feels funky and bright with these on the wall! Find out more about the history of the original swheswhe here.

Be Boho - first sandal orders packed!

Just finished designing, cutting and folding boxes for 2 completed orders of barefoot sandals now ready for collection!

Oh, and if you were wondering BOHO = BOHEMIAN =

Elegantly barefoot

These are so elegant and chic for a beach wedding..

The more elaborate original pattern is by Adrienne Davis. I have simplified the design and love it!

Be Boho Barefoot Sandals

These are so cute! Perfect for beach weddings, pool parties, yoga, dance or just adding chic to bare feet!

Pattern from Expression Fiber Arts blog

Plarn Tote - Recycling is fun!

Using 60+ recycled plastic shopping bags, I crocheted this funky tote bag. It has a wonderful "feel good" vibe to it.  I love taking it to the shop, the beach, anywhere and get a compliment on my colourful creation every time!

Check www.myrecycledbags.com - stacks of awesome bag patterns! I started the base of my bag following this pattern and customised the rest.

My little blue assistant kept an eye on the project from start to finish :)

What beautiful yarn and stitch!

The yarn is "Louisa Harding Grace Multy" (50/50 wool silk blend). See original post on this blog!

Sideways Triangle Scarf

One of my current projects: a sideways triangle scarf in the yummiest colours for autumn! Using a combo of Vinnis Colours 100% cotton and Katia Marea Egyptian cotton.

The free pattern for this scarf from Churchmouse Yarns & Teas